Navy sailor turns teacher to put recruits through their paces

A SAILOR has swapped his role at sea to take on a teaching role at HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall.

Leading Physical Training Instructor (LPT) Andrew Davidson, from peteree, is responsible for testing the fitness of new recruits, taking them through the PT elements of their 10 week initial naval training course.

The lessons include sessions in the gym and outdoors on the assault and obstacle courses.

The 25-year-old joined the Royal Navy in 2004, originally as a marine engineer mechanic.

He served at HMS Sultan and on board the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster before opting for a career change and transfer to the PT branch in 2009.

Since then LPT Davidson has worked ashore at HMS Drake in Plymouth and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

He also spent a year on board the Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland, and was involved in preparing the ship for sea after a lengthy refit period.

Other highlights of LPT Davidson’s career so far include representing the Royal Navy at the World Youth Football championships, in Dallas, at under-19 level.

His brother, Scott, is also in the Royal Navy, currently serving onboard the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond.

The former Shotton Hall pupil said: “I joined the Royal Navy to see the world, but I’ll never forget my home.

“Becoming a Royal Navy physical trainer was the best thing I’ve ever done.

“The job satisfaction of seeing a civilian develop into a member of the Royal Navy, getting them ‘Fit to Fight, Fit for Life,’ through my direction and teachings is very rewarding.

“I’ve had a great eight years so far, and long may it continue.”

HMS Raleigh is the Royal Navy’s largest training establishment in the South West, where all new Rating recruits to the Service undergo their basic training course.

It also conducts specialist training delivering seamanship, submarine operations, logistics, military and board and search skills.